Managing cybercafés: achieving mutual benefits through partnership

Abstract

This chapter offers an alternate perspective upon issues of management and security in cybercafés. Here attention is placed upon the wider social environment in which the cybercafé operates and the development of ‘soft’ skills in cybercafé management in order to mitigate security risks. Three key arguments are made: first, it is noted that cybercafés offer a key means by which small business may access ICT. Second, that the relationships that cybercafés may foster are beneficial to all parties and that such relationships bring additional benefits in terms of trust and social capital. Third, that in order to develop such partnerships, new skill sets may be required.